WINDOW COVERING CONFIGURED TO BE MAGNETICALLY ATTACHED TO A WINDOW FRAME OF A VEHICLE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a window covering configured to be magnetically attached to a window frame of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles may include one or more visors for protecting occupants by shading them from the sun or other bright light. Some visors can be lowered over part of the windshield by the driver or front passenger to block the sun and some may be swung sideways to block sun entering windows of front doors of the vehicle.

[0003] Other sun shades may be adhered directly to the window glass of the vehicle to block the sun. Some of these sun shades may be cut and adhered as a film to the window glass. Other types of sun shades may be attached with suction cups and removed when the window glass needs to be lowered and raised.

[0004] US5,911,266 discloses an apparatus for supporting a fabric such as a net curtain over an aperture such as a window. The apparatus comprises first and second members which have exposed faces which are mutually magnetically attractive. The second member is L shaped to provide below its exposed face to provide a ledge for supporting the first member.

SUMMARY

[0005] A window covering is configured for attachment to a window frame of a vehicle to at least partially cover an opening defined in the window frame. The window covering is defined by the features of claim 1 and includes a casing, a panel, a first magnet, and a second magnet. The casing includes a first member and a second member extending in spaced relationship to the first member to define a hole therebetween. The casing is rigid and includes a ferromagnetic material. The panel is operatively attached to each of the first member and the second member and covers the hole. The first magnet is magnetically attached to the first member and is configured to be magnetically attached to the window frame. The second magnet is magnetically attached to the second member and is configured to be magnetically attached to the window frame. Each magnet is a permanent magnet. Each magnet is configured to exert a pull force sufficient to retain the window covering to the window frame of the vehicle such that the casing of the window covering does not move relative to the window frame during motion of the vehicle.

[0006] A window covering system includes a window frame of a vehicle and a window covering. The window frame includes a header and a footer. The window covering is configured for attachment to the header and the footer of the window frame to at least partially cover an opening defined between the header and the footer. The window covering includes a casing, a panel, a first magnet, and a second magnet. The casing includes a first member and a second member extending in spaced relationship to the first member to define a hole therebetween. The casing is rigid and includes a ferromagnetic material. The panel is operatively attached to each of the first member and the second member and covers the hole. The first magnet is magnetically attached to the first member and is also configured to be magnetically attached to the header of the window frame. The second magnet is magnetically attached to the second member and is also configured to be magnetically attached to the footer of the window frame. Each magnet is a permanent magnet. Additionally, each magnet is configured to exert a pull force sufficient to retain the window covering to the respective header and footer of the window frame of the vehicle such that the casing of the window covering does not move relative to the window frame during motion of the vehicle.

[0007] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a window covering including a plurality of magnets;

Figure 2A is a schematic side view of a window covering system including the window covering of Figure 1 magnetically attached to a window frame of a vehicle by the plurality of magnets;

Figure 2B is a schematic partial side view of the window covering system of Figure 2A with the window covering magnetically attached to the window frame;

Figure 3A is a schematic side view of the window covering of Figure 2 detached from the window frame of the vehicle;

Figure 3B is a partially exploded schematic side view of the window covering system of Figure 3A with the window covering detached from the window frame;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of one of the magnets of the window covering of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an attachment clip configured for being secured to the window frame and for use with the window covering of claim 1, in an alternative embodiment of the window covering system of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 6 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the window covering system of Figure 2 with the window covering magnetically attached to the attachment clip of Figure 5, where the attachment clip is secured to the window frame;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the window covering system of Figure 3, with the window covering detached from the attachment clip of Figure 5 and the attachment clip secured to the window frame; and

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the alternative embodiment of the window covering system of Figure 3 with the window covering magnetically attached to the attachment clips of Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Referring to the Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, a window covering 10 is shown generally at 10 in Figure 1 and is configured for selectively covering (as shown in Figure 2A) and uncovering (as shown in Figure 3A) an opening 12 defined in a vehicle 14.

[0010] Referring to Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, the vehicle 14 includes a window covering system 16 having a window frame 18, defining the opening 12, and the window covering 10. The window frame 18 has a header 20 and a footer 22 which define the opening 12 therebetween. The window covering 10 is configured to be magnetically attached to the header 20 and the footer 22 of the window frame 18 to at least partially cover the opening 12, as shown in Figure 2A. The window frame 18 may be formed as a part of a vehicle 14 door 24, such as a front door of the vehicle 14. It should be appreciated that the window frame 18 may also be part of a rear door (not shown) of the vehicle 14 or any other opening 12 defined in the vehicle 14. Since the window covering 10 is magnetically attached to only the header 20 and the footer 22 of the window frame 18, a corresponding window 26 of the vehicle door 24 is still capable of being rolled up or down, without disturbing or otherwise interfering with the placement of the widow covering 10. Additionally, as will be explained in more detail below, the window covering 10 is easily detached from the header 20 and footer 22 of the window frame 18, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when the opening 12 of the window 26 needs to be accessed, e.g., to allow access to a parking ticket machine, fast food drive-thru, and the like. Likewise, once access to the opening 12 is no longer required, the window covering 10 is quickly and easily magnetically reattached to the window frame 18.

[0011] The window coverings 10 are configured to be sized to fit the window frames 18 of specific model vehicles 14. More specifically, the window coverings 10 are sized such that, once attached to the window frame 18, any gap 82 defined between the window covering 10 and the respective header 20 and footer 22 is held substantially equal to a predefined tolerance. By way of a non-limiting example, the tolerance may be limited to be substantially equal to 3 mm. It should be appreciated that other tolerances may also be obtained. The window coverings 10 are formed based on measurements of the opening 12 defined between the header 20 and footer 22 of the window frames 18 of the specific vehicle 14. The specific vehicle 14 may be based on model and model year. The measurements may be obtained based on tracing the window opening 12, coordinate numerical control (CNC) measurement, and the like. These measurements are used to create the window covering 10 that is customized to fit the specific vehicle 14 which may be based on model and model year.

[0012] Referring again to Figure 1, the window covering 10 includes a casing 28, a panel 30, and a plurality of magnets 32. The casing 28 includes a first member 34 and a second member 36 extending generally horizontally in spaced relationship to the first member 34 to define a hole 38 therebetween. The casing 28 may also include a third member 40 and a fourth member 42. The third member 40 extends generally vertically to interconnect the first member 34 and the second member 36. The fourth member 42 extends vertically in spaced relationship to the third member 40 and interconnects the first member 34 and the second member 36. The first member 34, the second member 36, the third member 40, and the fourth member 42 form the casing 28 and define the hole 38 therebetween. Each member 34, 36, 40, 42 is substantially rigid and the members 34, 36, 40, 42 are interconnected to one another such that the casing 28 is also substantially rigid. The casing 28 includes a ferromagnetic material 43. The ferromagnetic material 43 may be steel, such as mild steel, and the like. The ferromagnetic material 43 is configured such that there is a sufficient pull force F between each of the magnets 32a, 32b and the respective first member 34 and second member 36 to retain the window covering 10 to the window frame 18.

[0013] The panel 30 is operatively attached to the first member 34, the second member 36, the third member 40, and the fourth member 42 such that the panel 30 covers the hole 38. The panel 30 includes a covering portion 44 and a border 46. The covering portion 44 is configured to substantially cover the hole 38. The border 46 is configured to operatively attach the covering portion 44 to the casing 28. The covering portion 44 may be formed from a material 48, such as a fabric. More specifically, the fabric may include a nylon material, such as a nylon mesh 50, which extends to cover the hole 38. The nylon mesh 50 is configured to form a screen which allows visibility and airflow therethrough. Therefore, the air is allowed to flow between an interior of the vehicle 14 and an exterior of the vehicle 14, through the nylon mesh 50, while also providing an occupant of the vehicle 14 the benefits of a sun shade. However, other materials 48 in addition to the nylon mesh 50 may also be used. The covering portion 44 may include edges 56 which extend along a perimeter. The edges 56 are generally disposed proximate each of the members 34, 36, 40, 42. The border 46 may be formed from a textile, such as cloth. The border 46 may be folded onto itself and disposed to extend about each of the members 34, 36, 40, 42 of the casing 28, the respective magnets 32a, 32b, and the respective edge 56 of the covering portion 44. The border 46 may be folded onto itself and stitched to the corresponding edges 56 of the covering portion 44 with stitching 58 such that the covering portion 44 is held substantially taut and retained across the hole 38. By wrapping each of the members 34, 36, 40, 42 such that the magnets 32a, 32b are covered by portions of the panel 30, the panel 30 is disposed between each of the magnets 32a, 32b and the window frame 18 when the window covering 10 is attached to the window frame 18 of the vehicle 14. This prevents the magnets 32a, 32b from directly contacting the window frame 18, which may otherwise cause scratching or damage to the window frame 18. Additionally, covering the magnets 32a, 32b with the border 46 captures and retains each magnet 32a, 32b to the window covering 10, which prevents the magnets 32a, 32b from becoming accidentally dislodged from the casing 28 when the window covering 10 is detached from the window frame 18. It should be appreciated that the panel 30 may be formed as a single piece, such that the covering portion 44 and the border 46 are a single continuous piece. Alternatively, the panel 30 may be formed such that the covering portion 44 and the border 46 are separate pieces that are connected to one another via the stitching 58.

[0014] Still referring again to Figure 1, the magnets 32 (Figure 4) may include a pair of first magnets 32a and a pair of second magnets 32b. It should be appreciated that the window covering 10 may include more or less magnets 32a, 32b. The first magnets 32a are magnetically attached to the first member 34 and are also configured to be magnetically attached to the header 20 of the window frame 18, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The second magnets 32b are magnetically attached to the second member 36 and are configured to be magnetically attached to the footer 22 of the window frame 18.

[0015] Referring to Figure 4, the magnets 32 are permanent magnets which are configured to exert a pull force F sufficient to retain the window covering 10 to the window frame 18 such that the casing 28 of the window covering 10 does not move relative to the window frame 18 during motion of the vehicle 14. More specifically, as the vehicle 14 is driving, the pull force F exerted by the magnets 32 is sufficient to magnetically retain the window covering 10 to the window frame 18 such that the window covering 10 remains stationary, relative to the window frame 18, even when the vehicle 14 is driving on rough roads, driving through pot holes, accelerating, decelerating, exposed to strong winds, and the like. The magnets 32 include a rare earth metal 52, such as neodymium and the like. The magnets 32 may be neodymium magnets which include an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron.

[0016] Referring to Figure 4, each of the magnets 32 may be generally block shaped and include a length L, a width W, and a thickness T. The magnets 32 present an outer magnet surface 60 configured to face and be magnetically attached to the window frame 18. The magnets 32 may also be formed to include a ledge 62 extending along the length L of the outer magnet surface 60. Magnets 32 having other shapes may also be used. In order to provide sufficient pull force F, the outer magnet surfaces 60 may each have an area A substantially equal to 125 square centimeters. The area A is defined by the length L and the width W of the magnet 32. By way of a non-limiting example, the length L may be 25 centimeters (cm), the width W may be 5 cm, and the thickness T may be 3 cm.

[0017] Referring again to Figure 1, the first member 34 of the casing 28 defines a pair of first channels 64 and the second member 36 of the casing 28 defines a pair of second channels 66. The first member 34 presents a first outer member surface 68 and the second member 36 presents a second outer member surface 70. The first magnets 32a are disposed in the first channel 64 and are magnetically attached to the first member 34 such that the first outer member surface 68 of the first member 34 and the outer magnet surface 60 of the first magnets 32a are substantially planar with one another. Likewise, the second magnets 32b are disposed in the second channel 66 and are magnetically attached to the second member 36 such that the second outer member surface 70 of the second member 36 and the outer magnet surface 60 of the second magnets 32b are substantially planar with one another.

[0018] Referring to the embodiment shown in Figures 5-8, when the header 20 and/or the footer 22 are formed from a non-ferromagnetic material 43, e.g., plastic, or are otherwise covered by a non-ferromagnetic material 43, attachment clips 72, shown in Figure 5. Referring to Figures 6-8, the attachment clips 72 may include a pair of first attachment clips 72a and a pair of second attachment clips 72b. The first magnets 32a are configured to be magnetically attached to the first member 34 and are also configured to be magnetically attached to the ferromagnetic strip 74 of respective first attachment clip 72a. Likewise, the second magnets 32b are configured to be magnetically attached to the second member 36 and are also configured to be magnetically attached to the ferromagnetic strip 74 of the respective second attachment clip 72b. The attachment clips 72a, 72b may be attached to the non-ferromagnetic header 20 and/or footer 22. The attachment clips 72a, 72b may be attached to the window frame 18 via an adhesive (not shown) and the like. Each attachment clip 72a, 72b may have ferromagnetic properties.

[0019] Referring to Figure 5, the attachment clip 72 may include a ferromagnetic strip 74 which includes a ferromagnetic material 43 having ferromagnetic properties. The ferromagnetic strip 74 may be fixedly attached to the attachment clip 72. The ferromagnetic material 43 may be steel, such as mild steel, and the like. The ferromagnetic material 43 is configured such that there is sufficient pull force F between the magnet 32a, 32b and the respective ferromagnetic strip 74 to retain the window covering 10 to the window frame 18, as previously described above. The ferromagnetic strip 74 presents an attachment surface 76 and the outer magnet surface 60 of the corresponding magnet 32a, 32b is configured to be magnetically attached to the attachment surface 76 of the ferromagnetic strip 74. The attachment clip extends longitudinally between a first end 88 and a second end 90 and includes a connection surface 78. The ferromagnetic strip 74 is disposed on the connection surface 78. The connection surface 78 defines a longitudinally extending groove 79 and the ferromagnetic strip 74 is fixedly disposed in the groove 79. The groove 79 is partially surrounded by a pair of longitudinally extending walls 84 and a shelf 86 interconnecting the pair of longitudinally extending walls 84, proximate the first end 88 such that the walls 84 and the shelf 86 cooperate to locate and retain the corresponding ferromagnetic strip 74 within the groove 79. The groove 79 includes a ramp 80, proximate the second end 90, to provide a lead-in between the first end 88 of the attachment clip 72 and the groove 79 to facilitate attaching and detaching the window covering 10 to/from the attachment clips 72 disposed on the window frame 18.

[0020] While figure 5-8 illustrate that the attachment clips 72 are attached to the header 20 and the footer 22, it should be appreciated that if there is a header 20 having ferromagnetic properties and a footer 22 with non-ferromagnetic properties, attachment clips 72 may be used with only the footer 22, while the first magnets 32a are directly magnetically attached to the header 20, without the aid of the attachment clips 72. Likewise, the attachments may similarly be used if the header 20 has non-ferromagnetic properties and only the footer 22 has ferromagnetic properties.

Claims

1. A window covering (10) configured for attachment to a window frame (18) of a vehicle (14) to at least partially cover an opening (12) defined in the window frame (18), the window covering (10) comprising
a casing (28) including a first member (34) having a first outer member surface (68) and a second member (36) having a second outer member surface (70) extending in spaced relationship to the first member (34) to define a hole (38) therebetween;
wherein the casing (28) is rigid and includes a ferromagnetic material;
wherein the first outer member surface (68) of the first member (34) defines a first channel (64) and the second outer member surface (70) of the second member (36) defines a second channel (66) facing in a generally opposite direction from the first channel (64);
a panel (30) operatively attached to each of the first member (34) and the second member (36) and covering the hole (38);
a first magnet (32a) and a second magnet (32b);
wherein the first and second magnets (32a, 32b) each present an outer magnet surface (60); the first magnet (32a) disposed in the first channel (64) of the first member (34) such that the outer magnet surface (60) is generally coplanar with the first outer member surface (68); and,
the second magnet (32b) disposed in the second channel (66) of the second member (36) such that the outer magnet surface (60) is generally coplanar with the second outer member surface (70)
wherein the outer magnet surface (60) of each of the first and second magnets (32a,32b) are generally coplanar with the respective first and second outer member surfaces (68,70);
wherein the first and second magnets (32a,32b) are configured to be magnetically attached to the window frame (18) at the respective outer magnet surface (60);
wherein the panel (30) extends about each of the first member (34) and the second member (36) and covers the first and second magnets (32a,32b) such that the panel (30) is disposed between each of the first and second magnets (32a,32b) and the window frame (18) when the covering (10) is attached to the window frame (18) of the vehicle (14);
wherein each of the first magnet (32a) and the second magnet (32b) is a permanent magnet; and,
wherein each of the first magnet (32a) and the second magnet (32b) are configured to exert a pull force sufficient to retain the window covering (10) to the window frame (18) of the vehicle such that the casing (28) of the window covering (10) does not move relative to the window frame (18) during motion of the vehicle;
the window covering (10) further comprising an attachment clip (72) configured for attachment to the window frame (18) and including a ferromagnetic strip (74) having a ferromagnetic material;
wherein one of the first and second magnet (32a, 32b) is configured to be magnetically attached to the respective one of the first member (34) and second member (36) and configured to be magnetically attached to the ferromagnetic strip (74) of the attachment clip (72);
characterized by the attachment clip (72) including a connection surface (78) defining a longitudinally extending groove (79) and the ferromagnetic strip (74) is fixedly disposed in the groove (79);
wherein the attachment clip (72) extends between a first end (88) and a second end (90);
wherein the groove (79) is partially surrounded by a pair of longitudinally extending walls (84) and a shelf (86) interconnecting the pair of longitudinally extending walls (84), proximate the first end (88) such that the walls (84) and the shelf (86) cooperate to locate and retain the one of the first magnet (32a) and the second magnet (32b) within the groove (79) of the attachment clip (72); and
wherein the groove (79) includes a ramp (80) proximate the second end (90).

2. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (28) further includes:

a third member (40) interconnecting the first member (34) and the second member (36); and,

a fourth member (42) extending in spaced relationship to the third member (40) arid interconnecting the first member (34) and the second member (36);

wherein the third member (40) and the fourth member (42) cooperate with the first member (34) and the second member (36) to further define the hole (38) therebetween.

3. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first magnet (32a) and the second magnet (32b) include a rare earth metal.

4. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 3 wherein the rare earth metal is neodymium.

5. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the first magnet (32a) and second magnet (32b) is a neodymium magnet including an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron.

6. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the outer magnet surfaces (60) has an area substantially equal to 125 square centimeters.

7. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the first magnet (32a) and second magnet (32b) is block shaped and includes a length, a width and a thickness such that the area is defined by the length and the width.

8. A window covering as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first magnet (32a) and the second magnet (32b) each include a ledge (62) extending longitudinally.

9. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ferromagnetic material is steel.

10. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the steel is mild steel.

11. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the panel (30) extends about each of the first member (34) the second member (36) the third member (40) and the fourth member (42) and covers the first magnet (32a) and the second magnet (32b) and the window frame (18) when the window covering (10) is attached to the window frame (18) of the vehicle (14).

12. A window covering (10) as claimed in claim 11 wherein the panel (30) includes:

a covering portion (44) configured to substantially cover the hole (38) when the window covering (10) is attached to the window frame (18); and,

a border (46) configured to operatively attach the covering portion (44) to the casing (28).

Ansprüche

1. Fensterabdeckung (10), welche zur Anbringung an einen Fensterrahmen (18) eines Fahrzeugs (14) konfiguriert ist, um eine in dem Fensterrahmen (18) definierte Öffnung (12) mindestens teilweise abzudecken, wobei die Fensterabdeckung (10) umfasst:

eine Einfassung (28), aufweisend ein erstes Element (34) mit einer ersten äusseren Begrenzungsfläche (68) und ein zweites Element (36) mit einer zweiten äusseren Begrenzungsfläche (70), welche sich vom ersten Element (34) in beabstandeter Weise erstreckt, um dazwischen eine Aussparung (38) zu definieren;

wobei die Einfassung (28) steif ist und ein ferromagnetisches Material enthält;

wobei die erste äussere Begrenzungsfläche (68) des ersten Elementes (34) eine erste Auskehlung (64) definiert und die zweite äussere Begrenzungsfläche (70) des zweiten Elementes (36) eine zweite Auskehlung (66) definiert, welche im Wesentlichen in eine zur ersten Auskehlung (64) entgegengesetzte Richtung ausgerichtet ist;

ein Panel (30), welches je an dem ersten Element (34) und dem zweiten Element (36) zusammenwirkend befestigt ist und die Aussparung (38) abdeckt;

einen ersten Magneten (32a) und einen zweiten Magneten (32b);

wobei der erste und zweite Magnet (32a, 32b) je eine äussere Magnetfläche (60) aufweist;

wobei der erste Magnet (32a) in der ersten Auskehlung (64) des ersten Elementes (34) derart angeordnet ist, dass die äussere Magnetfläche (60) im Wesentlichen komplanar zur ersten äusseren Begrenzungsfläche (68) ist;
und,

wobei der zweite Magnet (32b) in der zweiten Auskehlung (66) des zweiten Elementes (36) derart angeordnet ist, dass die äussere Magnetfläche (60) im Wesentlichen komplanar zur zweiten äusseren Begrenzungsfläche (70) ist;

wobei die äussere Magnetfläche (60) von jeweils dem ersten und zweiten Magneten (32a, 32b) im Wesentlichen komplanar mit der jeweiligen ersten und zweiten äusseren Begrenzungsfläche (68, 70) ist;

wobei die ersten und zweiten Magnete (32a, 32b) konfiguriert sind, um an der jeweiligen äusseren Magnetfläche (60) am Fensterrahmen (18) magnetisch befestigt zu werden;

wobei das Panel (30) sich zu jedem der ersten Elemente (34) und zweiten Elemente (36) erstreckt und die ersten und zweiten Magnete (32a, 32b) überdeckt, derart, dass das Panel (30) zwischen jedem der ersten und zweiten Magnete (32a, 32b) und dem Fensterrahmen (18) angeordnet ist, wenn die Abdeckung (10) am Fensterrahmen (18) des Fahrzeugs (14) befestigt ist;

wobei jeweils der erste Magnet (32a) und zweite Magnet (32b) ein Permanentmagnet ist; und,

wobei jeweils der erste Magnet (32a) und der zweite Magnet (32b) konfiguriert ist, um eine Abreisskraft auszuüben, welche ausreicht, um die Fensterabdeckung (10) am Fensterrahmen (18) des Fahrzeugs festzuhalten,

derart, dass sich das Gehäuse (28) der Fensterabdeckung (10), während der Bewegung des Fahrzeugs, nicht relativ zum Fensterrahmen (18) bewegt;

wobei die Fensterabdeckung (10) ferner einen Befestigungsclip (72) umfasst, der zur Befestigung an dem Fensterrahmen (18) konfiguriert ist, und einen ferromagnetischen Streifen (74) mit einem ferromagnetischen Material aufweist;

wobei einer von dem ersten Magneten und dem zweiten Magneten (32a, 32b) konfiguriert ist, um an dem ersten Element (34) respektive dem zweiten Element (36) magnetisch angebracht zu werden, und konfiguriert ist, um an dem ferromagnetischen

Streifen (74) des Befestigungsclips (72) magnetisch angebracht zu werden;
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

der Befestigungsclip (72) eine Verbindungsfläche (78) aufweist, die eine sich in Längsrichtung erstreckende Nut (79) definiert, und der ferromagnetische Streifen (74) in der Nut (79) fest angeordnet ist;

wobei sich der Befestigungsclip (72) zwischen einem ersten Ende (88) und einem zweiten Ende (90) erstreckt;

wobei die Nut (79) teilweise von einem Paar von sich in Längsrichtung erstreckenden Seitenwänden (84) und einem Einlegeboden (86), welcher das Paar von sich in Längsrichtung erstreckenden Seitenwänden (84) miteinander verbindet, umgeben ist, derart, dass die Seitenwände (84) und der Einlegeboden (86) nahe dem ersten Ende (88) kooperieren, um den einen von dem ersten Magneten (32a) und dem zweiten Magneten (32b) innerhalb der Nut (79) des Befestigungsclips (72) zu verorten und festzuhalten; und

wobei die Nut (79) nahe dem zweiten Ende (90) eine Auflauffläche (80) aufweist.

2. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Einfassung (28) ferner umfasst:

ein drittes Element (40), welches das erste Element (34) und das zweite Element (36) miteinander verbindet; und,

ein viertes Element (42), welches sich in einer beabstandeter Beziehung zu dem dritten Element (40) erstreckt und das erste Element (34) und das zweite Element (36) miteinander verbindet;

wobei das dritte Element (40) und das vierte Element (42) mit dem ersten Element (34) und dem zweiten Element (36) kooperiert, um die dazwischenliegende Aussparung (38) weiter zu definieren.

3. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei jeder von dem ersten Magneten (32a) und dem zweiten Magneten (32b) ein Seltene-Erde-Metall umfasst.

4. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Seltene-Erde-Metall Neodym ist.

5. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 3, wobei jeder von dem ersten Magneten (32a) und dem zweiten Magneten (32b) ein Neodym-Magnet ist, der eine Legierung aus Neodym, Eisen und Bor umfasst.

6. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei jede der äusseren Magnetoberflächen (60) eine Fläche aufweist, die im Wesentlichen 125 Quadratzentimeter beträgt.

7. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 6, wobei jeder von dem ersten Magneten (32a) und dem zweiten Magneten (32b) blockförmig ist und eine Länge, eine Breite und eine Dicke aufweist, derart, dass die Fläche durch die Länge und die Breite definiert ist.

8. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 7, wobei der erste Magnet (32a) und der zweite Magnet (32b) jeweils einen Vorsprung (62) aufweisen, der sich länglich erstreckt.

9. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das ferromagnetische Material Stahl ist.

10. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Stahl Weichstahl ist.

11. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 2, wobei sich das Panel (30) um jedes von dem ersten Element (34), dem zweiten Element (36), dem dritten Element (40) und dem vierten Element (42) herum erstreckt und den ersten Magneten (32a) und den zweiten Magneten (32b) und den Fensterrahmen (18) abdeckt, wenn die Fensterabdeckung (10) am Fensterrahmen (18) des Fahrzeugs (14) angebracht ist.

12. Fensterabdeckung (10) nach Anspruch 11, wobei das Panel (30) umfasst:

einen Abdeckabschnitt (44), der konfiguriert ist, um die Aussparung (38) im Wesentlichen abzudecken, wenn die Fensterabdeckung (10) an dem Fensterrahmen (18) angebracht ist; und,

eine Umrandung (46), die konfiguriert ist, um den Abdeckabschnitt (44) wirksam an der Einfassung (28) zu befestigen.

Revendications

1. Couverture de fenêtre (10) configurée pour se fixer à un cadre de fenêtre (18) d'un véhicule (14) afin de couvrir au moins partiellement une ouverture (12) définie dans le cadre de fenêtre (18), la couverture de fenêtre (10) comprenant :

un châssis (28) comportant un premier membre (34) présentant une première surface de membre extérieur (68) et un deuxième membre (36) présentant une deuxième surface de membre extérieur (70) s'étendant selon une relation d'espacement avec le premier membre (34) afin de définir un trou (38) entre ceux-ci ;

selon laquelle le châssis (28) est rigide et comporte un matériau ferromagnétique ;

selon laquelle la première surface de membre extérieur (68) du premier membre (34) définit un premier canal (64) et la deuxième surface de membre extérieur (70) du deuxième membre (36) définit un deuxième canal (66) faisant face dans une direction généralement opposée au premier canal (64) ;

un panneau (30) fixé de manière opérationnelle à chacun des premier membre (34) et deuxième membre (36) et recouvrant le trou (38) ;

un premier aimant (32a) et un deuxième aimant (32b) ;

selon laquelle les premier et deuxième aimants (32a, 32b) présentent chacun une surface d'aimant extérieure (60) ;

le premier aimant (32a) étant disposé dans le premier canal (64) du premier membre (34) de sorte que la surface d'aimant extérieure (60) est sensiblement coplanaire avec la surface du premier membre extérieur (68) ; et,

le deuxième aimant (32b) est disposé dans le deuxième canal (66) du deuxième membre (36) de sorte que la surface d'aimant extérieure (60) est sensiblement coplanaire avec la surface du deuxième membre extérieur (70) ;

selon laquelle la surface d'aimant extérieure (60) de chacun des premier et deuxième aimants (32a,32b) est sensiblement coplanaire avec la surface respective des premier et deuxième membres extérieurs (68, 70) ;

selon laquelle les premier et deuxième aimants (32a, 32b) sont configurés pour se fixer par magnétisme au cadre de fenêtre (18) au niveau de la surface d'aimant extérieure respective (60) ;

selon laquelle le panneau (30) s'étend autour de chacun des premier membre (34) et deuxième membre (36) et recouvre les premier et deuxième aimants (32a,32b) de sorte que le panneau (30) est disposé entre chacun des premier et deuxième aimants (32a,32b) et le cadre de fenêtre (18) lorsque la couverture (10) est fixée au cadre de fenêtre (18) du véhicule (14) ;

selon laquelle chacun des premier aimant (32a) et deuxième aimant (32b) est un aimant permanent ; et,

selon laquelle chacun des premier aimant (32a) et deuxième aimant (32b) est configuré pour exercer une force d'attraction suffisante pour retenir la couverture de fenêtre (10) sur le cadre de fenêtre (18) du véhicule de sorte que le châssis (28) de la couverture de fenêtre (10) ne bouge pas par rapport au cadre de fenêtre (18) pendant le déplacement du véhicule ;

la couverture de fenêtre (10) comprenant en outre un clip de fixation (72) configuré pour se fixer au cadre de fenêtre (18) et comportant une bande ferromagnétique (74) présentant un matériau ferromagnétique ;

selon laquelle l'un parmi le premier aimant et le deuxième aimant (32a, 32b) est configuré pour être fixé par magnétisme au membre respectif parmi le premier membre (34) et le deuxième membre (36) et configuré pour se fixer par magnétisme à la bande ferromagnétique (74) du clip de fixation (72) ;

caractérisée en ce que :

le clip de fixation (72) comporte une surface de connexion (78) définissant une rainure s'étendant longitudinalement (79) et la bande ferromagnétique (74) est disposée de manière fixe dans la rainure (79);

selon laquelle le clip de fixation (72) s'étend entre une première extrémité (88) et une deuxième extrémité (90) ;

selon laquelle la rainure (79) est partiellement entourée par une paire de parois s'étendant longitudinalement (84) et une étagère (86) interconnectant la paire de parois s'étendant longitudinalement (84), à proximité de la première extrémité (88) de sorte que les parois (84) et l'étagère (86) coopèrent afin de positionner et retenir l'aimant parmi le premier aimant (32a) et le deuxième aimant (32b) dans la rainure (79) du clip de fixation (72) ; et

selon laquelle la rainure (79) comporte une rampe (80) à proximité de la deuxième extrémité (90).

2. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 1, selon laquelle le châssis (28) comporte en outre :

un troisième membre (40) s'interconnectant avec le premier membre (34) et le deuxième membre (36) ; et,

un quatrième membre (42) s'étendant selon une relation d'espacement avec le troisième membre (40) et s'interconnectant avec le premier membre (34) et le deuxième membre (36) ;

selon laquelle le troisième membre (40) et le quatrième membre (42) coopèrent avec le premier membre (34) et le deuxième membre (36) afin de définir de plus le trou (38) entre ceux-ci.

3. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 1, selon laquelle chacun des premier aimant (32a) et deuxième aimant (32b) comporte un métal de terre rare.

4. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 3, selon laquelle le métal de terre rare est le néodyme.

5. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 3, selon laquelle chacun des premier aimant (32a) et deuxième aimant (32b) est un aimant à néodyme comportant un alliage de néodyme, fer et bore.

6. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 1, selon laquelle chacune des surfaces extérieures d'aimant (60) présente une aire sensiblement égale à 125 centimètres carrés.

7. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 6, selon laquelle chacun des premier aimant (32a) et deuxième aimant (32b) est de forme en bloc et présente une longueur, une largeur et une épaisseur de sorte que l'aire est définie par la longueur et la largeur.

8. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 7, selon laquelle le premier aimant (32a) et le deuxième aimant (32b) comportent chacun un rebord (62) s'étendant longitudinalement.

9. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 1, selon laquelle le matériau ferromagnétique est de l'acier.

10. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 9, selon laquelle l'acier est de l'acier doux.

11. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 2, selon laquelle le panneau (30) s'étend autour de chacun des premier membre (34), deuxième membre (36), troisième membre (40) et quatrième membre (42) et recouvre le premier aimant (32a) et le deuxième aimant (32b) et le cadre de fenêtre (18) lorsque la couverture de fenêtre (10) est fixée au cadre de fenêtre (18) du véhicule (14).

12. Couverture de fenêtre (10) selon la revendication 11, selon laquelle le panneau (30) comporte :

une partie à recouvrement (44) configurée pour recouvrir sensiblement le trou (38) lorsque la couverture de fenêtre (10) est fixée au cadre de fenêtre (18) ; et,

une bordure (46) configurée pour fixer de manière opérationnelle la partie à recouvrement (44) au châssis (28).

Drawing